Bar with sliding handgrips for resistance exercise devices

ABSTRACT

An elongate bar having sliding handgrips concentrically mounted thereon adapted for use with various types of resistance-type exercise devices. In a preferred embodiment, the handgrips, which are constrained to move only in an axial direction with respect to the bar, are interconnected on an inner bar-facing portion of the handgrips by linking means such as belts, in such a manner that the handgrips and bar retain a low profile, and the handgrips remain equidistant from the center of the bar throughout their axial range of motion. In the preferred embodiment, the linking means are belts that are supported by pulleys housed within recesses in the bar and rotatably attached thereto. Embodiments of the bar for performing various exercises are disclosed which include resistive force attachment means affixed to the bar operable for attaching weights, lever arms, springs, cable(s), belts(s), elastic bands or the like thereto or by using an exerciser&#39;s own body weight to provide a resistive force for exercising a variety of muscles.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/691,733, filed Oct. 22, 2003, which has been allowed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a resistance exercise device and, more particularly, to a bar having a pair of handgrips slidably mounted thereon, the bar being adapted to be attached to a resistive force such as weights.

2. Prior Art

Resistance exercise devices are well represented in the art. Perhaps the most common such device is the barbell in which weights are removably attached to opposing ends of an elongate bar. An exerciser grips the bar with both hands and moves the bar and weights through a range of motion against the force of gravity. In most such barbell devices, the handgrips are a knurled or textured portion on the outer surface of the bar and necessarily remain stationary with respect to the bar throughout the movement (repetition). Brasher, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,585,229, discloses an exercising apparatus including a bar having a pair of rings slidably connected thereto. Handgrips for gripping by the hand of the user are positioned within, and rotatably connected to, each of the rings. A cable connects the two rings to one another for maintaining each ring at an equal distance from the end of the bar. The assembly permits the handgrips to both rotate and move laterally during a repetition. A disadvantage of the Brasher device is that the oval bar employed to mount the cable-supporting pulleys upon has a high profile and does not have the familiar appearance and feel of a conventional (stationary handgrips) barbell wherein the bar is not oval but substantially cylindrical.

Dibrowski, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,122 discloses a barbell wherein the handgrips are concentrically and slidably mounted on a bar and are free to rotate and slide axially. The axial motion of the handgrips is constrained by laterally disposed springs concentrically mounted on the bar, and by medially disposed stops. The springs are connected to the lateral ends of the handgrips and to the weight bar. The springs are passive centering devices that serve to generally maintain the handgrips equidistant from the center of the bar. In the event the bar tilts during a lift, the lower spring will extend and the higher spring will compress. There is no constraining interconnection of the handgrips to maintain their axial position on the bar equidistant from the center of the bar. Accordingly, due to the compressibility and extensibility of the springs, the Dibrowski device may become unbalanced when the handgrips are not equidistant from the center of gravity of the weighted bar as, for example, when the bar is tilted.

Another barbell-type resistance exercise device wherein the bar includes slidably mounted handgrips is disclosed by Troutman in U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,731. While the Troutman device permits the position of the handgrips to shift in an axial direction during a repetition, as with Dibowski, the handgrips are not interconnected to keep the handgrips equidistant from the center of gravity of the bar. Each grip includes a number of bearings that allow the grip to slide along the bar without resistance. The grips and bar include complementary anti-rotation apparatus that prevents the grips from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the bar. A number of adjustable stop members may also be placed on the bar to limit the axial travel of the grips. It is common for one arm of an exerciser to be stronger (or more fatigued) than the other. As a result, when an exerciser lifts the bar, one hand will lag relative to the other hand during the lift, tilting the bar from the horizontal. While a slight tilt is normally not a problem, with the Troutman device the bar will slide sideways through the handgrips in the direction of the lower hand. This, in turn, shifts more weight over the more fatigued or weaker arm, causing it to drop further and with weight shifted off of the stronger arm, it will rise faster causing a rapidly increasing tilt in the bar. The result is that the Troutman bar can quickly slide to one side causing the lower arm to collapse, cause muscle strain, or even cause the exerciser to fall off of the bench.

Nearly 20 years ago, Pearson, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,535, disclosed an upper body building machine with a pair of linked sliding handles affixed to a bar. The body building machine enables a user to exercise the chest, back shoulders and other upper body muscles. The machine comprises a rigid frame adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface such as a floor. The frame comprises a bottom, a top, and a pair of spaced-apart, generally parallel sides extending upwardly from the bottom to the top. Each of the sides includes a rigid, elongated guide rod extending between the frame bottom and the frame top. The machine further includes weight bar extending generally horizontally across the machine between the sides; the weight bar being mounted to enable vertical displacement thereof by a user. The direction of travel of the weight bar is constrained by the guide rods. The ends of the weight bar are adapted to be affixed to, and stressed by, suitable weights. The weight bar has a pair of handles coupled to the weight bar. The handles have bearing collar portions coaxially and slidably coupled to the weight bar permitting horizontal movement with respect thereto and twistable portions associated with the collar portions adapted to be grasped by the hands of the user, thereby concurrently permitting generally horizontal hand/arm movement and hand/wrist rotation with up and down vertical displacements of the weight bar. Cables interlinking the handles provide means for synchronizing horizontal movements of the handles along the weight bar. The handgrips (i.e., “handles”) are mounted on the bearing collars and are rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of the weight bar. The relative angle of rotation of the handgrips with respect to one another is not synchronized which is undesirable for some exercises. The handgrip linking means (cables) are not disposed to abut the weight bar and, accordingly, the structure has an awkward, relatively high profile. Further, the weight bar is not adapted to be free-standing and is adapted for use only with the other structural features of the machine.

Surprisingly, a bar for a resistance-type exercise device combining the most desirable features of prior art exercise bars to provide a bar that overcomes the limitations of each of the prior art bars has not been suggested or disclosed in the art. There remains a need for a bar having slidably mounted handgrips for use with an exercise device wherein the handgrips are either nonrotatable or rotatable only around the axis of the bar, has a low profile and remains balanced throughout the range of motion of an exerciser.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a resistance exercise device and a bar for use with the resistance exercise device. The bar comprises slidably mounted handgrips that are mounted to move only in an axial direction parallel to the long axis of the bar. In a preferred embodiment, the resistance exercise device of the present invention comprises: (a) an elongate bar having first and second ends and a midpoint therebetween; (b) weight attachment means affixed to the bar either adjacent to the first and second ends and disposed equidistant from the midpoint of the bar, or at the middle of the bar, the weight attachment means being operable for removably attaching weights or another resistive force to the bar; (c) first and second handgrips slidably and concentrically mounted on the bar and disposed equidistant from the midpoint of the bar wherein the handgrips are preferably nonrotatable and can be moved on the bar in an axial direction (i.e., parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bar); and (d) handgrip coupling means connecting the first handgrip to the second handgrip, the coupling means being operable for maintaining the first and second handgrips equidistant from the midpoint of the bar when the first and second handgrips are moved in an axial direction. Each of the handgrips may also include adjustable braking means operable for either dampening or preventing the sliding action of the handgrips with respect to the bar. Alternatively, the adjustable breaking means can be affixed, either temporarily or permanently, to the bar such as by clamping, the braking means thereafter being operable for adjustably applying resistance to motion of either the pulleys or the belt(s) without contacting the handgrips.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for an exerciser to perform an exercise comprising the steps of: (a) presenting a resistance exercise device as described above; then (b) positioning the exerciser's body with respect to the bar of the resistance exercise device and grasping the first and second handgrips with the exerciser's respective hands; then (c) applying a force to the first and second handgrips with the hands in opposition to the resistive force. The method can be used for performing an exercise selected from the group consisting of bench press, shoulder press, bicep curl, triceps (press-downs or extensions), rows (upright, seated, bent-over or lying), shoulder shrugs, wrist curls, front or lateral raises, pullovers, pull-downs, deadlifts and latissimus contractions.

In a further embodiment, the bar includes floor supporting means and can be used for performing pushups. In yet a further embodiment, the bar includes wall attachment means and can be employed for performing pull-ups. The pull up version can be floor-mounted. In yet a further embodiment, the bar may include floor, wall or machine mounting means with the handgrip(s) replaced by footgrip(s) to perform a variety of exercises including leg presses, leg curls, leg extensions, and various abdominal exercises.

The various embodiments of the invention provide advantages over traditional exercise devices. Since the hands (or legs) are not constrained to fixed paths of motion during exercise movements, more natural exercise movements are possible with the bar of the present invention resulting in reduced joint stress and strain. The sliding handgrips (or footgrips) also provide an increased range of motion during exercise movements thereby exercising more muscle fibers as compared to traditional exercises. New, heretofor unavailable exercise movements and variations are also made possible by the bar of the present invention. Adding variation to routine exercise movements has been proven to stimulate muscle growth. Since the handgrips (or footgrips) remain equidistant from the center of gravity, symmetrical loading of the left and right sides is always maintained during exercise movements. Finally, the ability of the handgrips (or footgrips) on the invention to slide during exercise movements leads to maximum muscle fiber recruitment since additional muscles are needed to stabilize and control a given motion during the exercise movements.

The features of the invention believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. However the invention itself, both as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1(a)-(c) are a sequence of drawings illustrating various instantaneous (i.e., “snap-shot”) hand positions that may occur during a lifting repetition using an exercise device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2(a) is an elevational view of a bar for performing a resistance exercise in accordance with the present invention wherein the handgrips are slid toward one another and are disposed medially on the bar.

FIG. 2(b) is an elevational view of a bar for performing a resistance exercise in accordance with the present invention wherein the handgrips are slid away from one another in an axial direction and are disposed laterally on the bar.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional front view of a central portion of a bar for a resistance exercise device in accordance with the present invention showing the disposition of the handgrip bearings.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bar and handgrip of FIG. 3 taken along section line 4-4 illustrating the elongate grooves in the outer surface of the bar underlying the handgrip(s).

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a bar for an exercise device in accordance with the present invention with the resistive force attachment means and handgrip removed to expose detail.

FIG. 6(a)-(c) are exploded perspective views of respective exposed portions of the bar illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the handgrip linking belts and belt support pulleys employed in the bar of the present invention to maintain the handgrips equidistant from the center of the bar throughout the range of axial movement of the handgrips over the bar. In the preferred embodiment of the handgrip interlinking assembly shown, two sets of belts are provided, disposed in orthogonal planes, to provide redundancy in the event one belt breaks.

FIG. 8(a)-(d) are respective enlarged perspective views of the portions of the handgrip linking belts and support pulleys indicated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a bar showing the interconnection of the handgrips by a single pair of belts housed preferably within grooves in the outer surface of the bar to provide the bar with a low profile.

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a bar in accordance with the present invention supported on a floor by floor-supporting means.

FIG. 11 a is an elevational view of a cylindrical member comprised of two telescopically mounted members, each member having a handgrip attached thereto and disposed equidistant from a center plane.

FIG. 11 b shows the cylindrical member of FIG. 11 a with the handgrips moved laterally outwardly while remaining equidistant from the center plane throughout the range of motion of the handgrips.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a bar with slidingly mounted handgrips in accordance with the present invention adapted for use with a Smith machine. The direction of the arrow in FIG. 12 shows the direction of the resistive force that the exerciser opposes.

FIG. 13 a is a schematic view of an exerciser using a bar in accordance with the present invention to perform bench presses in a reclined position.

FIG. 13 b is a schematic view of an exerciser using a bar in accordance with the present invention to perform bench presses in a seated position. The arrows in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b, and in all the figures that follow, show the possible directions of the force exerted by the exerciser on the handgrips to overcome the resistive force vector (not shown in FIGS. 13 a-27 b).

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an exerciser using a bar in accordance with the present invention to perform shoulder presses in a sitting position.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of an exerciser using a bar in accordance with the present invention with a bicep curl machine or the like.

FIGS. 16 a-c are schematic representations of an exerciser using the bar of the present invention to perform triceps presses with the upper arm fixed in various positions.

FIGS. 17 a-d are schematic representations of an exerciser using the bar to perform rowing exercises in a seated position (FIG. 17 a), a supine position (FIG. 17 b), an upright position (FIG. 17 c) or a bent-over position (FIG. 17 d). The configurations of 17 b and 17 d may be used to exercise the latissimus muscles with the exerciser in a supine or bent-over position.

FIG. 18 is schematic representations of an exerciser using the bar to perform a lat pull-down exercise in an upright position.

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of an exerciser using the bar of the present invention to perform raises in an upright position.

FIG. 20 illustrates, in schematic representation, an exerciser using the bar to perform a pulldown exercise in an upright position.

FIG. 21 illustrates, in schematic representation, an exerciser using the bar to perform a pullover exercise in a supine position.

FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of an exerciser using the bar of the present invention to perform a wrist curl exercise.

FIG. 23 illustrates, in schematic representation, an exerciser using the bar of the present invention to perform a dead lift exercise in a standing or squatting position.

FIG. 24 is schematic representations of an exerciser using the bar to perform a shoulder “shrug” exercise in an upright position.

FIGS. 25 a and 25 b are schematic representations of an exerciser using the bar of the present invention to perform leg presses in a seated position (FIG. 25 a) or lying position (FIG. 25 b) with the handgrips on the bar being replaced with similarly-interlinked footgrips.

FIG. 26 illustrates, in schematic representation, an exerciser using the bar to perform a leg extension exercise in a seated position with the handgrips on the bar being replaced with similarly-interlinked footgrips.

FIGS. 27 a and 27 b illustrate, in schematic representation, an exerciser using the bar to perform a leg curl exercise in a seated position (FIG. 27 a) and a face-down position (FIG. 27 b) with the handgrips on the bar being replaced with similarly-interlinked footgrips.

FIGS. 28 a and 28 b are side and front respective schematic representations of a floor or wall-mounted embodiment of the bar of the present invention wherein the bar is fixed above the exerciser, by floor or wall-mounted means, and the exerciser uses the handgrips to perform pull-ups or chin-ups.

FIGS. 29 a and 29 b are side and front respective schematic representations of a floor-mounted embodiment of the bar of the present invention wherein the bar is replaced with a platform that can be supported on a floor with a pair of interlinked plates slidably mounted on the platform for performing pushups.

FIG. 30 is a schematic representation of a floor-mounted embodiment of the bar of the present invention wherein the bar is replaced with a platform that can be supported on a floor with a pair of interlinked plates slidably mounted on the platform for exercising the abdominal muscles.

FIG. 31 is a front schematic representation of a floor-mounted embodiment of the bar of the present invention wherein the bar is replaced with a platform that can be supported on a floor with a pair of interlinked plates slidably mounted on the platform for exercising the muscles of the legs using side to side movements for leg adduction and abduction.

FIG. 32 is a side schematic representation of a floor-mounted embodiment of the bar of the present invention wherein the bar is replaced with a platform that can be supported on a floor with a pair of interlinked plates slidably mounted on the platform for exercising the muscles of the legs for leg extensions using front to back motions.

FIG. 33 a is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a handgrip illustrating the disposition of the belt on the surface of the inner bore of the handgrip and traveling within a groove in the bar to provide a bar having a very low profile.

FIG. 33 b is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a handgrip illustrating the disposition of the belt on the surface of the inner bore of the handgrip wherein the belts travel along a path that abuts the bar to provide a bar having a low profile.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides an exercise apparatus for performing two-handed exercises and includes a bar to which a resistive force is applied and a pair of handgrip assemblies concentrically and slidably attached to the bar which the user grips in order to move the bar against the resistive force during the performance of an exercise. The resistive force may be simply the weight of the bar or it may comprise weights connected to the bar. Alternatively, another piece of equipment capable of providing a resistive force can be connected to the bar by resistive force attachment means such as, for example, by a cable or two “U”bolts. Each handgrip is slidably connected to the bar, the sliding paths being generally parallel to the long axis of the bar, generally in line with each other, and disposed symmetrically with respect to a center plane perpendicular to the long axis of the bar and intersecting the bar at the center of gravity thereof. (The terms “generally parallel” and “generally in line” are meant to include variations of up to approximately 30 degrees and offsets of up to approximately 12 inches.) The handgrips are linked together by handgrip linking means to maintain each handgrip generally at an equal distance from the center of gravity of the bar. Thus the handgrips are constrained to move only in opposition to one another in an axial direction (i.e., toward and away from the center plane). The linking means may be a pair of belts guided over pulleys mounted at each end of the bar, with one end of the first belt connected to the lateral end of a first handgrip and the opposing end of the first belt connected to the medial end of the second handgrip. One end of the second belt is attached to the medial end of the first handgrip and the opposing end of the second belt attached to the lateral end of the second handgrip. Alternatively, the linking means for interconnecting the handgrips may incorporate a pinion gear rotatably mounted on the bar and engaged to gear racks connected separately to each handgrip. In yet a further embodiment, the linking means may include two oppositely directed helical threads that rotate together along their common axis and separately engage each handgrip, the handgrips being restrained from rotating with respect to each other. A number of fixed or adjustable stop members may also be placed on the bar to limit the travel of the handgrips. The handgrips may further include braking and/or locking means operable for varying the resistance of the handgrips to sliding in an axial direction (i.e., in a direction parallel to the axis of the handgrip), or locking the handgrips in a preferred position with respect to the center plane of the bar.

The bar, described above, may be adapted for the performance of a variety of other types of exercises wherein the exerciser's weight provides the resistive force. In a further floor-supported embodiment, the bar includes, or is placed upon, floor supporting means and can be used for performing pushups. In yet a further wall-supported embodiment, the bar includes, or is adapted to be attached to, wall attachment means and can be employed for performing pull-ups. The various embodiments of the bar, notwithstanding the nature of the resistive force, all include slidably mounted handgrips that are interlinked so as to maintain the handgrips equidistant from a center plane of the bar as will be discussed below. The pull up version can also be floor mounted.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of an exercise device in accordance with the present invention is indicated at numeral 10. The device 10 comprises an elongate bar 11 having weights 12 attached thereto. An exerciser 13 places his/her hands 14 on handgrips 15 a and 15 b that are slidably attached to the bar 11. In FIG. 1(a) the exerciser is shown beginning a lift with his/her hands positioned near the lateral ends of the bar adjacent the weights. As the lift progresses, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the hands (and handgrips 15 a and 15 b) move in a medial direction as indicated by the arrows until at the apex of the lift (FIG. 1(c)), the hands and handgrips are disposed adjacent the center 16 of the bar 11. The ability of the hands to move inwardly during a lift enables more work to be done (the weights are lifted higher) than if they remain laterally disposed adjacent the weights throughout the lift. In addition, the lift involves the use of more (and different) muscles than with stationary handgrips. As the device 10 is lowered to its initial position (FIG. 1(a)), the hands and handgrips may be slid outwardly to begin another repetition of lifting. The bar of the present invention, when used with an exercise device as disclosed hereinbelow, provides several important advantages over prior are bars. The bar enables the isolation of desired muscles and increases the effective range of exercise motion for exercises such as bench press, incline press, military press, triceps extensions, bent over row, etc. In addition, the bar reduces joint stress and pain. The bar also enables self-spotting by a user (by sliding handles out against stops). Further, the present bar makes it easier to handle and adjust weight than with dumbbells. The present bar makes new exercises possible.

With reference to FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the device 10 is shown in elevational view with the first and second handgrips 15 a and 15 b slid inwardly and disposed adjacent the center 16 of the bar 11 (FIG. 2(a)) and extended laterally adjacent the weight attachment means 20 a and 20 b as indicated in FIG. 2(b). A groove 21 is visible in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) that serves to house a handgrip linking means (i.e., handgrip interconnecting means), most preferably a pair of belts, as will be discussed below.

As used herein, the term “low profile,” when used in the context of a characteristic of the bar 11, means that the diameter of the bar 11, whether the bar has a circular or polygonal cross section, is substantially the same as the diameter of a conventional cylindrical bar in accordance with the prior art that is commonly employed in barbells to support a weight and provide handgrip means for lifting the weight. The low profile bar of the present invention is not bifurcated along any portion of the length thereof. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a central portion of the device 11 illustrating the plurality of roller bearings 30 housed within the handgrips 15 a and 15 b. The roller bearings 30 are mounted on axles 31 affixed to the respective handgrips and are employed to facilitate a smooth sliding action of the handgrips over the bar. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bar 11 and handgrip 15 a of FIG. 3 taken along section line 4-4 illustrating the elongate grooves 21 in the outer surface of the bar 11 underlying the first and second handgrip(s) 15 a and 15 b throughout the range of axial motion of the handgrips.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a bar for an exercise device in accordance with the present invention with the resistive force attachment means 50 and a central gripping portion 51 a (not present in FIGS. 5 and 6) of handgrip 15 a removed to expose detail. One end of the bar 11 comprising the device 10 is indicated at 52 in FIG. 5 and in greater detail in FIG. 6(a). A pulley assembly 53, shown in greater detail in FIG. 6(b), is disposed within a recess 55 in the bar 11 and supports belts 60 and 61 attached to the handgrips as will be discussed below. A portion 54 of handgrip 15 a, illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 6(c), remains attached to the bar to illustrate the means employed to attach handgrip 15 a to the belts 60 and 61 and the bearings 30 employed to assist the handgrips to slide along the bar. In FIGS. 5-8, the handgrip interconnecting means illustrated therein comprise a plurality of belts 60 and 61 that travel over sheaves or pulleys 62-65. Pulleys 62 and 64 are oriented to rotate about an axis that is orthogonal to the axis of rotation of pulleys 63 and 65. The purpose of the duplicate belt interlinking arrangement is to provide redundancy in order to prevent the handgrips from being disconnected in the event that one of the belts 21 break.

With reference now to FIG. 6(a), the end of the bar 11 is shown in enlarged perspective view having four elongate grooves 21 a-d in the cylindrical (or polygonal) outer surface of the bar 11. Grooves 21 a and 21 b serve to house and guide belt 60 (FIG. 6(b)), while grooves 21 c and 21 d house and guide the redundant belt 61. In FIG. 6(b), the pulleys 62 and 63 are shown to be rotatably mounted in recessed 55 within the bar 11. Pulley 62 supports belt 60 while pulley 63 supports the redundant belt 61. A pair of return pulleys 64 and 65 (FIG. 8(d)) mounted within recesses 55 in the opposing end of the bar 11 also support belt 60 and redundant belt 61 respectively. For simplicity, only the primary belt 60 will be discussed. The interconnection and operation of the redundant belt 61 and the handgrips is the same as the primary belt 60.

Turning now to FIG. 6(c), a portion of handgrip 15 a is illustrated in perspective view. The handgrips 15 a and 15 b have a pair of lateral grip mounting plates: an outer plate 63 and an inner plate 64 to which the central gripping portion (not shown) is bolted. A pair of medial grip mounting plates (also not shown), are mirror images of the lateral gripping plates and have been removed in FIG. 6(c) to illustrate the manner in which the recurved end 60 a of the belt 60 is adapted to be attached to the handgrips 15 a and 15 b via compression between the grip mounting plates. With alternate reference to FIGS. 6-8, primary belt 60 is segmented into first and second primary belts 60 and 60′ of equal length as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8(a)-(d). A first end 60 a of the first primary belt segment 60 is compressed between the lateral gripping plates (not shown in FIG. 6(c)) which are then bolted to one another. The opposing end 60 b (FIG. 8(c)) of the first primary belt segment 60 is guided around pulley 62 and emerges from the recess 55 in the bar to lie within groove 21 b where it extends along groove 21 b to handgrip 15 b where it is attached, again by compression, between the medial grip mounting plates of handgrip 15 b. A first end 60′a of primary belt segment 60′, also recurved as shown, is trapped between inner and outer grip mounting plates 63 and 64 on the medial end of handgrip 15 a and extends along the groove 21 a, around pulley 64 and along groove 21 b where the opposing end 60′b of the second segment 60′ is attached between the lateral grip mounting plates 63 and 64 of handgrip 15 b, thereby completing the interconnection of the handgrips. The interlinking belt assembly provides means for maintaining an equal distance between the handgrips and the center of gravity of the bar when sliding the handgrips in an axial direction. FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a bar showing the interconnection of the handgrips 15 a and 15 b by a pair of belts 60 and 60′ housed preferably within grooves in the outer surface of the bar to provide the bar with a low profile. Only belts 60 and 60′ are shown in FIG. 9 for simplicity. It is understood that the bar preferably also includes a redundant pair of belts 61 and 61′ (not shown in FIG. 9) as a safety feature in the event the primary belt comprised of belt segments 60 and 60′ breaks.

Returning now to FIG. 6(c), it is desirable to provide the handgrips with bearings to facilitate sliding motion of the handgrips. Each handgrip 15 a and 15 b is preferably provided with eight roller bearings 30 as illustrated. The bearings 30 are disposed on the lateral and medial ends of the gripping portion of each handgrip adjacent to the handgrip mounting plates. Four holes are drilled at right angles to each adjacent hole in the gripping portion near each end of the handgrip to house the axles 31 about which the respective bearings 30 rotate.

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a bar 10 in accordance with the present invention supported on a floor by floor-supporting means 100. The bar 10, when placed on floor-supporting means 100 for stabilization upon a floor 101, can be used for performing pushups. The supports 100 serve to elevate the bar 10 above the floor 101 and enable the handgrips 15 a and 15 b to slide while the bar is thus supported. The exerciser lies on the floor in a prone position with his/her hands placed on the handgrips, and repetitively elevates his/her upper body by pressing downwardly on the handgrips. The ability of the handgrips to slide in an axial direction while performing the exercise renders a pushup more difficult to perform, and exercises more muscle groups than is possible with stationary handgrips. Similarly, the bar 10 can be supported on a wall or within a doorway or vertical support structures for performing pull-ups.

The general principles of the present invention are illustrated in an embodiment of the exercise device shown in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b. The device 110 is comprised essentially of an outer tube 111 and an inner tube 112 telescopically mounted to one another. The outer tube 111 has an axial bore 113 that accommodates one end of the inner tube 112 therewithin. The linear density of the inner and outer tubes is preferably equal. The outer tube 111 has a first handgrip 15 a affixed to an outer surface thereof and the inner tube 112 has a second handgrip affixed to an outer surface. The outer and inner tubes may further have weights 114 a and 114 b attached thereto. In FIG. 11 a, the handgrips 15 a and 15 b are separated from one another by a distance d and disposed equidistant (i.e., a distance d/2) with respect to a center plane 16 which center plane 16 intersects the device at the center of gravity thereof. FIG. 11 b shows the device 110 with the handgrips separated from one another by a distance D wherein D is greater than d. The construction of the device 110 is such that when the handgrips 15 a and 15 b are moved in an axial direction, each of the handgrips remain equidistant (i.e., a distance D/2) from the center plane 16 throughout their range of motion.

It should be noted that an important feature of the bar 11 of the present invention is that the interlinking belts or cables that interconnect the handgrips 15 a and 15 b are attached to the portion of the handgrips abutting the bar in such a manner that the interlinking belts to not significantly alter the profile of the bar. This feature enables the profile of the bar 11 to remain similar to the familiar profile of a conventional bar lacking sliding handgrips.

A variety of exercises may be performed using the bar 11 with sliding handgrips of the present invention to strengthen different muscles or groups of muscles in the body. FIGS. 12-32 disclose examples of some of the configurations that the bar can be used in to exercise different muscles of the body. FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a bar 11 with slidingly mounted handgrips 15 a and 15 b in accordance with the present invention adapted for use with a Smith machine 120. The direction of the arrow in FIG. 12 shows the direction of the resistive force that the exerciser (not shown in FIG. 12) opposes. In a Smith machine, the ends of the bar 11 are slidably mounted in a vertical track or slot in supports 121. The slots constrain the bar 11 to travel in a vertical direction. In use, an exerciser grips the handgrips 15 a and 15 b to apply a force thereto that opposes the resistive force (see arrow) and can use the Smith machine in either a seated, lying or standing position.

With reference to FIGS. 13-32 of the drawings, it should be noted that the handgrips (or footgrips) of the invention are shaded in the Figures. The remaining components (i.e. the belt, bar, resistance attachment means, etc) of the invention are not shown in these Figures. The Figures are intended to show some of the primary exercises that are possible with various embodiments of the invention. It is further noted that not every exercise that is possible with the invention is illustrated.

When viewing the drawings, it should be noted that the direction of the exercise motion is represented by the direction of the accompanying arrows. The applied resistance vectors are generally opposite the direction of motion indicated in the Figures. Generally, the handgrips move laterally (i.e., perpendicular to the direction of motion, or usually “in and out of the page” as shown in the depicted figures) during exercise movements.

FIGS. 13-24 depict various exercises wherein the user grabs the sliding handgrips on the bar with their hands. Resistive force may be applied to these grips through the use of weights, springs, cables, belts, elastic bands, lever arms, etc. FIGS. 25-27 depict various exercises where the user places his legs or feet on the sliding grips on the invention. Resistive force may be applied to these grips through the use of weights, springs, cables, belts, elastic bands, lever arms, etc. FIGS. 28-32 depict various exercises wherein the user places his/her hands and/or feet on the sliding grips on the invention. The user actually uses his/her own body weight as the resistive force during these exercise movements. The arrows shown in these Figures depict the motion of the exercisors body relative to the grips.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b are schematic views of an exerciser 130 grasping a handgrip 15 a of a bar 11 in accordance with the present invention (bar 11 not shown in FIG. 13 a or 13 b or the following figures, and only one handgrip 15 a being shown in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b and the following figures for simplicity) to perform bench presses in a reclined or upright position. The arrows in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b, and in all the figures that follow, show the possible directions of the force exerted by the exerciser on the handgrips 15 a and 15 b to overcome an applied resistive force (resistive force vector(s) not shown in FIGS. 13-32). The resistive force (not shown) can be applied to the bar by a cable or belt affixed to a weight stack, an elastic cord, a lever arm or a spring in a manner known in the art. FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an exerciser using a bar in accordance with the present invention to perform shoulder presses in a seated or standing position. FIG. 15 is a schematic view of an exerciser using a bar in accordance with the present invention with a bicep curl machine or the like.

FIGS. 16 a-c are schematic representations of an exerciser using the bar of the present invention to perform triceps presses with the upper arm fixed in various positions as indicated in the drawings. FIGS. 17 a-d are schematic representations of an exerciser using the bar to perform rowing exercises in a seated position (FIG. 17 a), supine position (FIG. 17 b), upright position (FIG. 17 c) or bent-over position (FIG. 17 d). The configurations of 17 b and 17 d may be used to exercise the latissimus muscles with the exerciser in a supine or bent-over position. FIG. 18 is schematic representation of an exerciser using the bar to perform a lat pull-down. FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of an exerciser using the bar to perform raises in an upright position. FIG. 20 illustrates, in schematic representation, an exerciser using the bar to perform a pulldown exercise in an upright position. FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of an exerciser using the bar to perform a pullover exercise in a supine position.

FIG. 22 illustrates, in schematic representation, an exerciser using the bar to perform a wrist curl exercise. FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of an exerciser using the bar to perform a dead lift exercise in a standing or squatting position. FIG. 24 is schematic representations of an exerciser using the bar to perform a shoulder “shrug” exercise in an upright position.

The artisan will recognize that the handgrips 15 a and 15 b can be modified to receive feet thereon to provide yet further exercises that can be performed using the same interlinking system to interconnect the footgrips. FIGS. 25 a and 25 b are schematic representations of an exerciser 130 using the bar of the present invention wherein the handgrip 15 a is replaced with a footgrip 191 to perform leg presses in a seated position (FIG. 25 a) or lying position (FIG. 25 b). The bar may be replaced with an elongate platform (not shown) with the footgrips 191 slidably mounted thereon and interlinked in the same manner as described above for the bar. The exerciser 130 places his feet in respective footgrips 191 and extends the legs 192 to apply a counter force in the direction of the arrow sufficient to overcome the resistive force (not shown) applied at the footgrip.

FIG. 26 illustrates, in schematic representation, an exerciser using the bar to perform a leg extension exercise in a seated position. FIGS. 27 a and 27 b illustrate, in schematic representation, an exerciser using the bar to perform a leg curl exercise in a seated position (FIG. 27 a) and a face-down position (FIG. 27 b).

FIGS. 28 a and 28 b are side and front respective schematic representations of a wall or ceiling-mounted embodiment of the bar of the present invention wherein the bar is fixed above the exerciser, by wall or ceiling-mounting means, and wherein the exerciser is using the handgrips to perform pull-ups or “chin-ups”. FIGS. 29 a and 29 b are schematic representations of a floor-mounted embodiment of the bar of the present invention wherein the bar is replaced with a platform that can be supported on a floor with a pair of interlinked plates or grips 191 a and 191 b adapted to be grasped or to receive and support the palm of the hand slidably mounted on the platform 290 for performing pushups.

FIG. 30 is a schematic representation of a floor-mounted embodiment of the bar of the present invention wherein the bar is replaced with a platform 290 that can be supported on a floor with a pair of interlinked plates 300 a and 300 b slidably mounted on the platform 290 for exercising the abdominal muscles of a user 130. The plates 300 a and 300 b are adapted to receive and support the palms of the hands and the balls of the feet respectively. An exerciser 130 places his/her hands and feet on the plates 300 a and 300 b as shown in order to perform the abdominal exercises by repetitively sliding the hands and feet together in the direction indicated by the curved arrows.

FIG. 31 illustrates, in schematic representation, another floor-mounted embodiment of the bar of the present invention wherein the bar is replaced with a platform 290 that can be supported on a floor with a pair of interlinked plates 310 a and 310 b slidably mounted on the platform 290 for exercising the muscles of the legs using side to side movements as indicated by the arrows for exercising leg muscles associated with adduction and abduction of the legs. The plates 310 a and 310 b are adapted to receive and support the soles of the feet.

FIG. 32 is a schematic representation of a floor-mounted embodiment of the bar of the present invention similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 30 wherein the bar is replaced with a platform 290 that can be supported on a floor. The platform 290 has a pair of interlinked plates 310 a and 310 b slidably mounted on the platform 290 for performing leg extensions to exercise the muscles of the legs using front to back motions as indicated by the arrows.

As stated earlier, an important feature of the present invention is to provide a bar with interlinked sliding handgrips for performing exercises wherein in addition to the advantages offered by balanced slidable handgrips, the bar has the familiar appearance (profile) and “feel” of a conventional prior art weightlifting bar of the type used in many gyms for supporting free weights or as part of a machine. This low profile advantage is accomplished by positioning the belts 60 and 61 (that serve to interlink the handgrips 15 a and 15 b) such that the belt(s) are constrained to travel along a path that abuts the surface of the bar 11. FIG. 33 a is a simplified longitudinal cross-sectional view of a handgrip 15 a slidably mounted on a bar 11 (roller bearings omitted for clarity) that illustrates this feature. One end 331 of the belt 60 is compressed between the handgrip 15 a and a handgrip cover plate 63 by means of bolts 332. The belt 60 is routed along a groove 21 a in one side of the bar 11, over a pulley (not shown) housed within a recess near one end of the bar, back along the bar through the groove 21 a on the opposing side of the bar, over a second pulley (not shown) mounted on the opposing end of the bar, and the opposing end 333 of the belt 60 is similarly affixed to the opposing end of the other handgrip 15 b by compression means. FIG. 33 b is as FIG. 33 a except that the bar 11 lacks grooves therein and the path of the belt 60 is external to and abuts the bar. In both FIGS. 33 a and 33 b, the belt 60 exits and enters the handgrips 15 a and 15 b at an inner (bar-facing) portion of the handgrips thereby enabling the belt to travel in a path that abuts the bar. The resulting weight bar assembly has a desirable low profile. While particular embodiments of the present invention employing interconnecting belts as handgrip (or footgrip) centering means has been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, damping means can be employed to provide adjustable resistance to the axial motion of the handgrips. The handgrips may also be adapted to include manually adjustable stops 334 (FIG. 33 b) operable for locking at least one of the handgrips in a preferred position on the bar. Further, a tubular sleeve (not shown) can be rotatably mounted over the hand gripping portion 51 b and 51 b of the handgrips 15 a and 15 b to enable the bar 10 to rotate during an exercise. Yet further, a tubular sleeve can be rotatable mounted over the weight attachment means 20 a and 20 b to enable the weights to rotate relative to the bar. In yet a further embodiment, weights may be attached directly to the handgrips. It is understood that the resistive force can be weights, cables or belts linked to weights, elastic bands, springs, lever arms that are attached to weights or the exerciser's own body weight. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

1. A resistance exercise device comprising: (a) an elongate, nonbifurcated, substantially cylindrical bar having first and second ends and a center plane therebetween, said center plane intersecting said bar at a center of gravity thereof; (b) first and second handgrips slidably mounted on said bar such that an inner portion of said first and second handgrips abuts said substantially cylindrical bar, said first and second handgrips being disposed equidistant from said center plane wherein said handgrips have a longitudinal axis and can be slidingly moved on said bar in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said handgrips; and (c) coupling means connecting said inner portion of said first handgrip to said inner portion of said second handgrip, said coupling means being operable for maintaining said first and second handgrips equidistant from said center plane when said first and second handgrips are moved in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said handgrips.
 2. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 further comprising resistive force attachment means affixed thereto, said resistive force attachment means being operable for removably attaching a resistive force to said bar.
 3. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 further comprising locking means operable for locking at least one of said handgrips in a locked position with respect to said bar.
 4. The resistance exercise device of claim 1 further comprising braking means operable for applying friction to said coupling means.
 5. The resistance exercise device of claim 2 further comprising a resistive force attached to said resistive force attachment means.
 6. A method for an exerciser to perform an exercise comprising the steps of: (a) presenting a resistance exercise device in accordance with claim 3; then (b) positioning the exerciser's body with respect to said bar of said resistance exercise device and grasping said first and second handgrips with the exerciser's respective hands; then (c) applying a force to said first and second handgrips with said hands in opposition to said resistive force.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein said exercise is selected from the group consisting of bench press, shoulder press, bicep curl, triceps press-downs, triceps extensions, rows (upright seated, bent-over, or lying), shoulder shrug, wrist curls, raises, pullovers, pull-downs, or deadlifts and latissimus contractions.
 8. A resistance exercise device comprising: (a) an elongate, platform having first and second ends and a center plane therebetween, said center plane intersecting said platform at a midpoint thereof; (b) first and second footgrips slidably mounted on said platform such that an inner portion of said first and second footgrips abuts said platform, said first and second footgrips being disposed equidistant from said center plane wherein said footgrips have a longitudinal axis and can be slidingly moved on said bar in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said footgrips; and (c) coupling means connecting said inner portion of said first footgrip to said inner portion of said second footgrip, said coupling means being operable for maintaining said first and second footgrips equidistant from said center plane when said first and second footgrips are moved in a direction parallel to said longitudinal axis of said footgrips.
 9. The resistance exercise device of claim 8 further comprising resistive force attachment means affixed thereto, said resistive force attachment means being operable for removably attaching a resistive force to said platform.
 10. The resistance exercise device of claim 9 further comprising a resistive force attached to said resistive force attachment means.
 11. A method for an exerciser to perform an exercise comprising the steps of: (a) presenting a resistance exercise device in accordance with claim 8; then (b) positioning the exerciser's body with respect to said platform of said resistance exercise device and placing feet against said first and second footgrips with the exerciser's respective feet; then (c) applying a force to said first and second footgrips with said feet in opposition to said resistive force.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said exercise is selected from the group consisting of leg presses and leg curls. 